Delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) arrived in Plateau State on Monday ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The team touched down at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, where they were received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, representing the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Also present were the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dang Gana, and other government officials.
Speaking on arrival, the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, said Plateau State was chosen for the meeting because of its deep Christian heritage and its longstanding reputation for hospitality.
“It is a pleasure and privilege for us to be here… Our President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel O’Call, arrived ahead of us and will chair the meeting,” he said.
“We are here to pray for Plateau for peace, prosperity, and progress. Plateau has always been a Christian stronghold and a welcoming city, and we believe our coming will encourage the people.”
Delegates Tour Ten Commandments Ground
While leading the delegates on a tour of the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Governance, Yilchap Abraham, explained that the site originally envisioned by former Governor Jonah Jang has undergone major expansion to host larger worship gatherings.
According to him, the main seating capacity of 5,800 has been expanded with wings seating 1,200 and 1,000 people respectively, bringing the total capacity to nearly 8,000.
He added that the VIP and ministers’ platforms have also been enlarged ahead of this year’s Plateau Unity Christmas Festivalone of Nigeria’s largest state-hosted Christian praise gatherings.
“There is no politics here only Christ and worship. All tribes and political affiliations dissolve in worship. The governor’s vision is for Christians to gather as one body to celebrate Christ,” Abraham said.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Oko, praised Plateau as not only the “Home of Peace and Tourism” but also the “Home of Hospitality,” expressing gratitude for the warm reception.
“We sometimes take our meetings outside Abuja to remain connected to Christians at the grassroots,” he said, adding that the meeting earlier postponed due to the passing of the Plateau CAN chairman would be a time of prayer for lasting peace in the state.
“A Divine Blessing for Plateau” State CAN Chairman
Welcoming the delegation, Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, described the visit as a divine blessing at a critical moment for the state.
“It is an honor to receive the national executive so early in our tenure. Plateau has faced many security and social challenges, and this visit is divinely timed to bring blessing upon the land. We believe the aftermath of this meeting will usher in greater peace and stability,” he said.
The delegation also met with the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony. Co-chair Rev. Pandam Yamsat, former COCIN President, emphasized the importance of strengthening religious unity in the state.
His Royal Highness, The Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna co-chair of the Council and leader of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau was represented and conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the Muslim community.
